The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) recently suspended a Morehead City dentist's license for the second time in 28 months. According to reports, the NCSBDE suspended the license of Jiaming Geng, DDS, due to potential violations allegedly involving poor sterilization and infection control procedures.

A license suspension can temporarily prevent a dentist from treating patients. If a suspension leads to a full license revocation, a dentist's career may effectively be over unless they're able to get re-licensed.

Are you facing license suspension, revocation, or similar issues? If so, the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team is available to help with your case.

Don't let allegations derail your career. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us through our online form or calling us at 888-535-3686.

Multiple Violations Jeopardize NC Dentist's License

Violating rules and regulations may not always result in the loss of a dentist's license. The following timeline of this case illustrates how failure to address violations when they're discovered can exacerbate a situation:

• Initial license suspension: Reports indicate the NCSBDE initially suspended Geng's license in December 2021. Although reports don't state the exact violations Geng allegedly engaged in, they apparently involved violations of infection control and sterilization rules.
• Conditional reinstatement: The NCSBDE reportedly allowed Geng to enter into a conditional reinstatement on July 15, 2022. The board reinstated Geng's license on the condition that she abide by certain probationary requirements. Per the conditional reinstatement agreement, these requirements would remain in effect until July 2027. One of the probationary requirements Geng agreed to involved allowing board members to visit and inspect her office without prior notice. In addition, Geng had to agree not to violate any applicable rules or regulations going forward.
• April 2024 inspection: Board investigators made an unannounced visit to Geng's office on April 1, 2024. They reportedly discovered evidence of multiple violations during their surprise inspection of the premises.

Geng reached an agreement with the NCSBDE following this inspection. As of this writing, Geng has agreed to stop practicing dentistry in North Carolina. She has also agreed to surrender her license and current renewal certificate.

This doesn't necessarily mean Geng will never be able to practice dentistry in North Carolina again. She may eventually participate in a hearing to determine the final outcome of her case.

Depending on the circumstances, the NCSBDE may revoke her license. Geng might have the option of appealing the board's decision if this happens.

Dentists Who Face License Revocation Need Legal Help

This story serves as an important reminder for dentists and others who may hold professional licenses: Depending on the policies in your state, a licensing board may be able to suspend your license before you can participate in a hearing.

It's vital to have a proper defense in these circumstances. At the Lento Law Firm, experienced attorneys with our Professional License Defense Team can help you protect your career if you're facing disciplinary action. Get started today by submitting your information through our online form or calling our offices at 888-535-3686.